WR Burleson key part of Lions attack

One of the misconceptions about receiver Nate Burleson and his role with the Detroit Lions is that he needs to be a downfield threat to help take pressure off fellow receiver Calvin Johnson. Actually, it's just the opposite.

One of Burleson's strengths is getting immediate separation from a cornerback, especially one that is attempting to jam him or knock him off his route at the line of scrimmage. The reason this is crucial for the Lions is because, if opponents run two or three defenders at Johnson, that leaves Burleson one-on-one in most cases. The Lions are hoping that defenses can no longer "walk up'' on the opposite receiver and stuff him at the line, eliminating the outside options for quarterback Matthew Stafford.